Natural pills..?

Question

Melatonin, 5-htp, valerian root capsules... are these necessary? I went to the doctor bc i am having some trouble staying asleep at night and she suggested taking melatonin.. I read about a lot of people who had bad dreams and experiences while taking it. and someone recommended taking valerian root capsules or 5-htp instead.. which would be best for me? what should i take? What do they do? I dont want to take anything like ambient or lunesta.. Just something natural that have no potential side-effects.

Answer 1

Everything, even "natural" remedies have side effects.  Why not just follow your doctor's advice?

Answer 2

First ry 5 HTP or tryptophan, they are the precursors of serotonin, which they increase and which you need to get into a deep sleep and stay asleep.  With 5 HTP start with 200mg and if it doesn't work increase until you get the right amount.  It is non toxic. Tryptophan try 500mg to start.  Valerian is good too.  It contains natural Gaba, or you can just buy gaba by itself too.  You never know what will work best until you try it.  Everyone is different.

Answer 3

Melatonin is naturally made in your body, that is why your DR recommends it. There are the potential for side effects with anything you take, but the side effects from melatonin are generally very mild. If you have bad dreams, try doing something relaxing prior to sleep, i.e. take a hot bath, read a good book, go for a walk. Very often with melatonin, the bad dreams are because your body finally has enough of the chemical to relieve the stresses of your day, but not enough for you to not remember them. Write the dreams down and show them to your DR, they may be able to help relieve them. Hope it helps.

Answer 4

If you feel like you don't want to take them - don't.

Try changing your life stile. Go for a long walk in the evening. Take a nice relaxing bath; etc.

Or you may want to try accupuncture.

Or homeopathy: http://www.1-800homeopathy.com/products/...